About legacy pass-through paths for tape drives

Although NetBackup requires the /dev/rmt device files to configure tape drives, NetBackup uses pass-through device files for drive access.

On media servers, NetBackup automatically creates pass-through device files if the appropriate/dev/rmt tape drive device files exist. NetBackup creates the pass-through device files in the /dev/sctl directory.

NetBackup does not modify or delete any existing pass-through paths.

NetBackup does not detect the type of adapter cards that are installed in the system. Therefore, NetBackup creates pass-through paths for tape drives connected to the adapter cards that do not support pass through. These pass-through paths do not cause problems.

Although NetBackup uses the pass-through device files during tape drive operations, you specify the /dev/rmt device files when you configure the drives in NetBackup. NetBackup then uses the appropriate pass-through device files.

Usually, you do not have to create pass-through paths for drives. However, instructions to do so are provided for reference.

NetBackup SAN clients require legacy pass-through device files.